Overview

Best Practices for Inclusive Remote Work in the Academy

The guidance in this addendum applies to the general adoption of inclusive remote work; however, the specific focus is in executing an academy-wide shift to remote work in response to an unforeseen disruption, such as a global pandemic, other natural or man-made disaster, or cyberattack. This will require:

    DEVELOPING CONTINGENCY PLANS

    • Quickly adapting departmental policies and processes (i.e., promotions, admissions)
    • Clear communication to faculty regarding service commitments and duties
    • Communicating with transparency and receptiveness to feedback during the period of disruption

    FOSTERING A SENSE OF BELONGING AND INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

    • Developing alternative forms of virtual community-building and mentorship, with an enhanced emphasis on respect, patience, tolerance, understanding, and humility
    • Increasing awareness of and support for the complexities of managing work and personal circumstances; offering accommodations for barriers to teaching, learning, attention, and/or productivity
    • Maintaining standards regarding potentially discriminatory or problematic language and behaviors in a virtual setting
    • Communicating difficult information with warmth and acknowledging faculty, staff, and students for being adaptable and engaged throughout the transition
    • Reiterating the importance of your unit’s work to the mission of the University

    INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE AND REMOTE WORK IN RESPONSE TO A CRISIS

    • Identify and communicate essential unit functions and priorities, and adjust these as circumstances evolve

    • Devise and communicate clear expectations and structures for remote work, adapting standard best practices to crisis-related space and technology constraints
    • Provide tools and processes for unit members to perform essential job functions
    • Communicate that existing University policies and expectations for conduct remain in effect

    • Communicate that faculty mentoring is even more important during a shift to remote work
    • Maintain respect for individual differences and a commitment to collegiality

    • Communicate with extra patience, collegiality, kindness, and humility
    • Establish department rituals that mirror in-person community-building behaviors (e.g., say “hi” in the morning and “good night” at the end of the day)

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